Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects applications will be accepted for funding under the access and capital projects relating to arts projects; the projects that have been funded by county in 2006; if those areas that have experienced rapid population growth where community facilities are deficient will receive priority in the 2007 allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34703/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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On 24th July last, I announced a new scheme to support investment in arts and culture infrastructure. This new scheme, called ACCESS II, or the Arts and Culture Enhancement Support Scheme II, will run from 2007 to 2009. The scheme is intended to provide a further impetus to the refurbishment and development of arts and culture facilities — thereby enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. While the intention is to prioritise the enhancement and maintenance of existing facilities, provision is made to support new projects under the terms of the scheme.

This scheme is a successor to the highly successful ACCESS scheme, introduced in August 2001, which allocated €45.71m to the promoters of 44 projects.

Applications under ACCESS II will be accepted until 17th November 2006 and the selection of projects will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Arts Council. An independent Committee will assess project proposals received and will make recommendations to me for consideration. Obviously, the period of assessment will depend on the number of applications received. I hope, however, to be in a position to announce the successful applicants early next year.

Considerations will include the extent to which the applicant projects:

Improve and extend access to, or participation in, the arts within the catchment area of the relevant facility;

Address a gap in provision, or address a proven need, within the relevant area;

Are compatible with the National Spatial Strategy, or with objectives of other Government policies, including the Arts Council's strategy, 'Partnership for Arts'.

On 24th August last, I also announced additional investment of €16.4 million in the arts and culture sector. This is divided between the Arts Council, the Irish Film Board and theatre and arts organisations throughout the country. This allocation was as a direct result of savings that have been made in my Department. A total of 29 arts and cultural projects will benefit from the funding which will enable them to proceed with refurbishment, renovation and repair works, to purchase equipment, fixtures and fittings and to improve access.

I will provide the Deputy with a listing of these 29 projects, broken down on a county basis, for her information.